Lacey Pols Propose Laws Limiting Airbnb, Short-Term Rentals

LACEY, NJ — Lacey politicians introduced two proposals Monday to limit and sometimes prohibit Airbnb's or short-term rentals. The proposed ordinances intend to discourage any irresponsible renters from disturbing residents.

The Township would create regulations that prohibit dwelling in a property for less than 30 days. Anyone convicted of a violation will be subject to fines. The restrictions wouldn't apply to barrier island properties from April 1 through November 30.

Residents from two neighborhoods voiced their concerns about Airbnbs, Vrbo and other services that allow for short-term rentals from visitors.

One ordinance mentions the following:

Leasing multiple rooms in a home to a single tenant or separate tenants would be prohibited. Owners must satisfy several conditions to lease a single room in a home, including the following:

• the owner must occupy the home year-round
• the landlord files appropriate registration
• adding the tenant doesn't violate occupancy limitations
• a minimum tenancy of one month and a maximum of one tenant
• sufficient space to provide one parking space for the tenant on the property

Leasing or renting any dwelling for "commercial or corporate purposes" would be prohibited under the law. Properties that fail to comply with the proposed restrictions also cannot be advertised through print, electronic or online media.

Another ordinance outlines a process for landlords be held responsible for repeat violations of rental regulations.

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